Obituary of Gilbert Richmond McDowell

Gilbert Richmond McDowell (Mr. Gill), 77, died Friday, March 20, 2020. Gill was born in Salt Lake City, Utah to Gilbert V. and Virginia Richmond McDowell. He graduated from Ogden High School, Ogden, Utah and immediately entered the army. After his service he attended the University of Utah. While traveling with a friend cross-country in November, 1967 he met the love of his life, Arlyse Sherman McDowell, in Toledo, Ohio where she was going to school. They were married June 9, 1968. The couple moved to Philadelphia, PA in order that Gill could attend Temple University where he studied motion picture and TV production while Arlyse taught school. In 1975 they moved to NYC where he started his career in the industry eventually becoming a lighting director for film and TV. He was one of the founding partners of Liberty Lighting Limited in NYC and the Softube Company, which developed and produced the first dimmable fluorescent light fixture for the industry. Gill and Arlyse retired to Fernandina Beach, FL in 2003. He began his 15 year career with Nassau County Council on Aging's Nassau Transit. He began as a driver and eventually became the Chief of Operations. At the time of his passing he was the Lead Driver for Nassau Transit's East Side. The Nassau Transit Operation Center in Fernandina Beach has been named for him as the Gilbert R. McDowell Operations Center. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife, as well as his brother, Charles (Deborah) McDowell, Sisters Margaret Davis, Annette Stacey, Elaine (Doug) Spencer all from Utah and Martha (Bob) Sandone in the Philadelphia area. He has left many nieces and nephews who adored their Uncle Gill and will miss his presence in their lives. He also leaves behind his cherished sisters-in-law, Jori (Jim) Manske of Maui, HA, Wendy Jean of Fernandina Beach and Karen Schnauffer of Fort Lauderdale. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister Joyce Adams. Donations can be made in his name to the Nassau County Council on Aging and Community Hospice of Nassau County. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.